Hard To Swallow

A disturbing and surreal narrative unfolds as a young woman, played by Shiri Ziv, navigates a bizarre and unsettling world. The film explores themes of obsession, decay, and psychological torment through a series of disjointed and confrontational scenes. It features graphic imagery and a challenging, non-linear structure that defies conventional storytelling.

Richard Kern's 'Hard To Swallow' is a notorious entry in underground cinema, primarily known for its explicit and transgressive content. It is divisive, with some critics and viewers finding it a powerful, albeit disturbing, exploration of taboo subjects and the darker aspects of human psychology. Others dismiss it as gratuitous and exploitative, lacking artistic merit beyond its shock value. Its experimental nature and challenging subject matter mean it has never achieved widespread critical acclaim in traditional circles, but it holds a significant place in the history of avant-garde and transgressive film.

• Visually striking but deeply unsettling, pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.

• Explores dark psychological themes with a confrontational and often disturbing aesthetic.

• Highly polarizing, appreciated by fans of avant-garde and transgressive cinema for its raw intensity.

Google audience: Audience reception is scarce and highly polarized. Those who appreciate it often cite its challenging nature and artistic intent, while others find it difficult to watch and lacking in coherent narrative.

Richard Kern, known for his provocative and often controversial films, created 'Hard To Swallow' during a prolific period of experimental filmmaking in the 1980s.